Alachua County’s plan to transform two former motels in southwest Gainesville into permanent supportive housing has officially come to fruition.
Celebrating a win for local affordable housing efforts and advocacy, county commissioners and staff cut the ribbon April 21 to welcome future residents to the former Scottish and Budget inns, located just south of the intersection of Southwest 13th Street and Williston Road.
Together, the properties include 67 units. The Budget Inn has been renamed East Tumblin Creek, while the Scottish Inn is now Forest Edge. Renovations began around May 2025, and residents can begin moving in April 27.
With a $4.6 million price tag, Gray Construction Services served as the contractor renovating the 36 one-bedroom units at East Tumblin Creek. Each unit features a studio-style apartment with space for a bed, kitchenette, bathroom and small living area.
The renovation of the 31 one-bedroom units at Forest Edge cost the county about $4.1 million and was led by Ulloa Management Group.
Calling it a good day for the county, Commission Chair Ken Cornell said that when voters approved the infrastructure sales tax, they weren’t just voting for roads and parks, but for the kind of community that cares for its most vulnerable residents.
“A community takes care of the most vulnerable members. A community that sees a struggling motel on Southwest 13th Street and [doesn’t ask], ‘What is this? but asked, ‘What could this become?’ That answer stands before you today,” Cornell said.
Describing the effort behind permanent supportive housing, County Community Services Director Claudia Tuck said staff will work with individuals placed in the housing through the homeless continuum of care and provide case management support.
Tuck said some residents have been unhoused for 15 to 20 years, making it critical to wrap services around people using a housing-first approach rather than requiring sobriety or compliance before placement.
“We’ve had some individuals who can’t even stay indoors. Staying indoors is frightening to them. They’ve been outside for a long time. They may have to sleep on the porch for a couple of weeks but gradually they’ll learn to live indoors again and succeed. We have so many examples of it,” Tuck said.
Alachua County social services staff told The Sun that residents will begin moving in April 27 and will arrive gradually. Utilities and Wi-Fi are included, and residents with income will pay 30% of their earnings toward rent. Those seeking employment will not pay rent until hired.
The Alachua County Commission approved the purchase of the Budget Inn in November 2020 for $2.2 million and subsequently the adjacent Scottish Inn in 2023 for around $1.8 million, with funding coming from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Voters approved a one-cent infrastructure sales tax extension on Nov. 8, 2022, allowing the tax to continue for ten years through 2032. While half of the revenue supports Wild Spaces & Public Places projects, the remaining funds are dedicated to roads, fire stations, public facilities and affordable housing projects, including East Tumblin Creek and Forest Edge.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Alachua County celebrates opening of permanent supportive housing projects
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
